U.S. Probing Water Heater Blast That Left 3 Families Homeless

Federal authorities are investigating a massive water heater explosion last week that ripped apart a Walnut condominium triplex, severely injuring a 15-year-old boy and leaving three families homeless, city officials said.

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission has asked the city for records and assistance in determining whether the electric heater, installed under a stairwell at three attached condominiums in the 1500 block of Kem Way, had a functioning safety valve, said Ron Franzer, a city building inspector.

The heater either did not have a pressure-release valve or, if it had one, the device had been tampered with, leaving no outlet for excessive pressure, Franzer said.

Under state law, building owners must apply for city permits whenever they install a new water heater. A city inspection is required after the installation.

Walnut officials said they had not yet been able to determine when the heater was installed in the 23-year-old building. But an examination of heaters in surrounding triplexes in the 40-unit complex found heaters without valves, Franzer said. Those heaters did not appear to be the original heaters and apparently were installed without permits, he said.

Meanwhile, the city has established a disaster relief fund for the three homeless families and also needs help in finding them housing.